MBA FT IB Recruiting-How to approach it?

Hi WSO,

I am a 1st year MBA at a T20 school and reaching out to you for advice on FT MBA recruiting. I was not successful during Summer Associate recruiting due to various issues such as technicals, many spots going to diversity, some banks not sponsoring (I am an international Asian male) etc. I would most likely be interning in Corp. Finance at a NYC based startup but definitely want to do IB over the long term. Background is 7+ years exp in Big 4 Consulting, IB Ops(GS/MS) and Startups. I will be thankful if you can help me out.

1) When should I start networking? Is it ok to start doing it now?
2)Given some banks such as Citi and Moelis are giving FT offers to their interns, which banks should I target?
3) Is preparing from 400 Qs enough for behavioral and technicals ?
4)How would I know which banks have spots?
5) Should I target Restructuring given the expected uptick in dealflow?
6)Any other advice you can share

@Synergy_or_Syzygy"
@mentalmomentum"
@SmartBanker"

 

1) Should have been doing this all year. If you didn't network last year, why not? Not getting that SA internship will be a huge challenge for FT interviewing.
2) SA -> FT is the proven path. What are you doing this summer? You need something to show you will succeed FT.
3) No. Investment Banking by Rosenbaum is a minimum. A corporate finance book and financial modeling course would also help. Also, how does your class selection support your interest in targeting IB?
4) Go through fall recruitment same as others as your school. Also sign up for talent networks at banks and consistently check their open positions. Again, most MBAs pivoting in are leveraging their SA so you are at a disadvantage.
5) Depends on the answers to the questions above. Can you justify why you should get a FT spot over someone who did IB/Rx this summer?
6)Make sure that you can justify and show your genuine interest in IB. Get your story tight. Technicals are table stakes.

Hopefully this helps.

 
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